Looking for the perfect read for chilly autumn evenings? When it's raining and windy outside, nothing makes the time pass like a good book . September 23rd marks the beginning of astronomical autumn – a time of year that almost compels you to reach for a book, mainly because it's often too cold outside. Long, cool evenings are the perfect time to wrap yourself in a blanket, sip tea, and immerse yourself in an autumn book .
How do you choose a book that will stick in your mind and perfectly complement the nostalgic nature of this time of year? Annual reports from the National Library and the results of the Book of the Year Poll show that Polish women and men most readily reach for crime novels. Regardless of the genre, the best book for an autumn evening is simply a well-written, engaging read that will stay with you for a long time.
Make reading comfortable – create a cozy nook with a comfortable pouffe that will provide the perfect environment for hours of reading. When the wind is howling outside and rain is pounding on the windows, there's nothing better than immersing yourself in a good book with a cup of hot tea and a soft blanket. Thanks to our recommendations, this autumn will be a truly captivating read!
Reading Corner: How to Create the Perfect Spot for Autumn Evenings
Long autumn evenings invite us to immerse ourselves in a good read. Autumn book lovers know perfectly well that the right environment significantly enhances the pleasure of reading. Creating a dedicated space is key to comfortable sessions with a favorite novel, especially when it's gloomy outside.
A comfortable pouffe and a warm blanket – the basis of comfort
Choosing the right seat is the foundation of any reading nook. The ottoman is becoming increasingly popular as the main piece of furniture in a reading space. Why? It perfectly adapts to the shape of the body, relieves pressure on the spine, and provides a comfortable position for hours of reading. Furthermore, its lightweight nature allows for easy transport to any location in the apartment.
If you value traditional solutions, choose a comfortable armchair with a high backrest and armrests. Look for models with a deep seat and smooth backrest. Complement it with a footstool – it will allow you to fully relax while reading. Regardless of your choice, be sure to choose soft cushions for added comfort.
Get a warm, soft blanket – a must-have for any autumn reading nook. When choosing textiles, opt for natural materials: wool or cotton in warm, autumnal colors – mustard, burgundy, or brown. Nothing makes reading autumn books more enjoyable than being able to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket when it's windy and rainy outside.
Lighting that doesn't strain your eyes
Ensure proper lighting – it plays a key role in arranging a reading space. The World Health Organization reports that over 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from vision impairment, and approximately 75% of adults use vision correction. Therefore, lighting that doesn't strain the eyes is crucial.
Direct the light directly onto the book , not into the reader's eyes. Lamps with a movable, adjustable head are best. Maintain a distance of 30 to 40 centimeters between the lamp and the book .
When choosing a light bulb, check two key parameters:
- Light Brightness – 300 to 500 lumens is recommended for reading
- Light color – choose a warm color (2700-3000K), which is conducive to evening relaxation
Remember that natural light is best for the eyes. Place your reading nook near a window, especially one facing south or southwest, to provide the most light throughout the day.
Why it's worth having a permanent place to read
Creating a dedicated reading space offers many benefits. First and foremost, a permanent spot helps you wind down and focus on your reading. Having your own reading nook makes it easier to disconnect from everyday worries and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of recommended books .
A permanent reading spot can become a ritual of sorts – especially in autumn and winter, when cool evenings favor the comfort of home. Experts note that for many people, reading books in the fall is a ritual that requires a cup of hot tea, a soft blanket, or warm socks.
For families with children, a dedicated space has added value – it helps instill a love of books in young children. Reading together in a specific place helps children calm down more quickly, and regular exposure to literature positively impacts development. Reading the best books together with children is a way to educate and build family bonds.
Invest in a properly arranged reading nook – it's an investment in comfort and the pleasure of reading. Autumn evenings with a good book will become even more special when you spend them in a cozy space created specifically for this pleasure.
Crime stories and thrillers for thrills
Do you enjoy books that make your heart beat faster? Long autumn evenings are the perfect time for dark stories that perfectly complement the gloomy skies outside. Delve into thrilling crime novels that will thrill you and make you forget about the passage of time.
Come Back Before Dark – Riley Sager
The Victorian estate of Baneberry Hall in the heart of leafy Vermont holds dark secrets. Maggie Holt returns after 25 years to the house from which her family fled in the middle of the night, leaving everything behind. Her father claimed the estate was haunted and wrote a bestselling book about it. Adult Maggie doesn't believe these tales and is determined to uncover the truth.
Riley Sager has crafted a novel that perfectly balances the real and the supernatural. The plot unfolds in two ways: we learn about contemporary events and the past described in Maggie's father's book . The author skillfully builds suspense, gradually revealing subsequent layers of mystery, drawing inspiration from genre classics like "The Haunting of Hill House" and "The Amityville Horror."
One reviewer notes, "The author weaves the threads so that we don't feel like we already know the story and know exactly where it will take us." This is the perfect read for an autumn evening, best read after dark, wrapped in a soft blanket.
Small-town – Tomasz Duszyński
Discover how small towns can hide the biggest secrets! "Provincial," inspired by Dawid Podsiadło's novel, is a gripping crime novel set in Lower Silesia. The story begins in Wrocław, where student Joanna Wasiak disappears, but quickly moves to the small town of Wiązów, where police officer Konrad Cichecki returns after 20 years.
The protagonist's return to his hometown is linked to the long-ago, unsolved disappearance of his classmate. When human remains are discovered during renovations in the market square, and more people later disappear, investigators become convinced that the key to solving contemporary crimes lies in the past.
"You don't read his books , you devour them . I love this author's style and the way he develops the plot. He keeps us guessing who the villain is until the very end." Duszyński perfectly captures the stifling atmosphere of a small-town community where "time seems to move in slow motion." This is a novel that makes it easy to forget about the world outside.
The Hunter's Ritual – Przemysław Borkowski
Prepare for a dark, mesmerizing psychological thriller that will immerse you in the mind of a serial killer. Young prosecutor Gabriela Seredyńska moves to Warsaw and immediately stumbles upon a murder case. A body is found near a cemetery wall, the victim's face severely mutilated. Soon, more victims emerge, all with one thing in common: unusual injuries inflicted after death, suggesting magical practices.
"The Hunter's Ritual" is a fascinating study of madness. Borkowski narrates not only from the investigators' perspective, but above all, shows the killer's thoughts and emotions. "We get a precise description of what's going on in the killer's mind at any given moment, what he's going through, what drives him. He's driven by primal emotions. He crafts his own idea, a kind of justification, for each crime."
Looking for an atmospheric thriller with a multi-layered plot that will surprise you time and again? "The Hunter's Ritual" is a perfect choice for autumn reading. The strength of this novel lies in the psychological portrayals of the characters and the dark atmosphere that heightens the tension. "Bloody, atmospheric, and mesmerizing. The desire to know the ending overwhelms the need for sleep" – this type of crime novel is best read on long autumn evenings, when darkness reigns outside.
Novels and romances that will warm you up like hot tea
A recommended book to wrap you in warmth on chilly autumn days? A romance novel or a social novel is the perfect read when the cold wind blows outside. These literary genres act like a warm blanket – they allow you to forget about the rainy weather and be transported to a world full of emotions. A comfortable pouffe in a cozy corner, a soft blanket, and the scent of hot tea will create the perfect conditions for immersing yourself in these emotional stories.
The Kashubian Saga – Daria Kaszubowska
A multi-volume story that has captured the hearts of readers across Poland! The story of the Stoltman family begins in 1914 and leads through the turbulent history of Kashubia to the present day. The author originally planned to write a single-volume historical crime novel, but the story expanded to eight volumes.
Daria Kaszubowska, with meticulous attention to detail, presents the family's fate, history, culture, and language of the Kashubian language. Each volume is distinguished by a cover in the colors of Kashubian embroidery with traditional patterns, and opens with Jan Trepczyk's patriotic song "Zemia rodnô" (The Land of Rodnô).
The Stoltmans' home village, Pomieczyn, becomes a mirror of all the problems facing Kashubians in the 20th century. The action also shifts to Gdańsk, where you witness the changes taking place in the city over the years.
Act Three – Aldona Reich
A moving story about loss, loneliness, and coming to terms with fate. Hanna Malewska loses her beloved husband, Grzegorz, and must confront emptiness and loneliness. The situation is complicated by the fact that after her husband's death, his secrets are revealed.
Aldona Reich, author of ten novels, guides us through the process of mourning with exceptional sensitivity. She shows how difficult it is to begin this process and how easy it is to pretend to others. The novel explores the many facets of loneliness – after loss, in marriage, in the midst of crowds. As the author says, "in reality, we are lonely our entire lives; we only drown out this loneliness with the people around us."
Invite me for a pumpkin latte – Anna Chaber
The debut novel by Anna Chaber, winner of the Autumn Evening competition, is the true essence of autumn. A story that "sway[s] like the hum of a big city and tastes like the most aromatic coffee."
Paula, a perfectionist organizing an autumn event, meets Greg, a barista who dreams of owning his own café. While both struggle with their own traumas, they gradually become closer.
The novel stands out for its thoughtful weaving of preventative health care into the plot. The author naturally reminds readers to check their breasts, which is especially important since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Therefore, the experience is not only captivating, but also conveys an important message.
Fiction and reflective literature for quiet evenings
Need a moment of respite from the daily grind? Reflective literature is the perfect choice when you want to pause and delve into the complex emotions of human fate. The best book for autumn is one that allows you to immerse yourself in the characters' thoughts and see the world from a completely new perspective. In a cozy corner, with a cup of hot tea, you can discover the fascinating world of fiction.
The Goldfinch – Donna Tartt
Looking for a book that explores universal themes and will stay with you for a long time? "The Goldfinch" is the novel that earned Donna Tartt a Pulitzer Prize and critical acclaim worldwide. The story begins tragically – thirteen-year-old Theo Decker loses his mother in a terrorist attack at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Shocked by the explosion, the boy takes a painting by the Dutch master Carel Fabritius – the titular "The Goldfinch" – from the museum. This painting will accompany him throughout his life, serving as a unique connection to his lost happiness.
Are you interested in stories about growing up and searching for meaning in a chaotic world? Tartt's novel is a Dickensian tale that takes the reader through diverse environments—from New York's elite, through the desert suburbs of Las Vegas, to the dark alleys of Amsterdam. "The Goldfinch" is a book that "holds the reader by the hand," exploring themes of love, loss, and art in a way that resonates deeply with the human experience.
List of absences – Michał Paweł Urbaniak
If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one or are interested in complex family relationships, Michał Paweł Urbaniak's debut novel will be a revelation. "The Absence List" is a moving study of grief and its consequences. The plot revolves around the death of Artur Hnat, and subsequent chapters gradually uncover family secrets. The main characters—Zuzanna, Artur's widow, and her son Krzysztof and his partner, Jakub—must confront not only the emptiness of loss but also their own demons from the past.
Urbaniak portrays situations where love intertwines with pain and misunderstanding with extraordinary sensitivity. As one reviewer notes, "this novel is so constructed that the issues resonating within it constantly reappear in different forms." Death is the central theme, but love, which opposes it, is equally important. This book will help you better understand the complexity of human emotions.
Middle Name – Jon Fosse
Are you fascinated by questions about identity and the meaning of existence? Norwegian master Jon Fosse, nominated for the Booker Prize, has created a mesmerizing novel about the search for who we truly are. "The Second Name" tells the story of a painter, Asle, who lives alone in Dylgja. In nearby Bjorgvin, lives his double—also a painter with the same name, but who leads a completely different life. The first Asle is religious and successful, the second struggles with problems.
Fosse's novel is distinguished by its unique style – devoid of periods and capital letters, with numerous repetitions, reminiscent of a stream of consciousness. "It's prose that you can't dive into from the first page like a classic narrative – you have to try to become accustomed to its rhythm." The author asks fundamental questions about what makes us who we are and why we live the way we do. This is literature that "requires patience, an openness to a different mode of narrative," ideally suited to quiet autumn evenings when you have time for deeper reflection.
Books for children and teenagers – reading together as a family
Autumn evenings offer the perfect opportunity to spend time together with loved ones. Family reading is not only great entertainment, but above all, a way to build lasting bonds with your children. Create a special corner at home with a comfortable ottoman where the whole family can gather and discover fascinating literary worlds together. Reading together in a cozy atmosphere is an investment in family relationships that will bring benefits for years to come.
Moominvalley in November – Tove Jansson
This unique installment in the Moomin series will surprise you with the fact that... the main characters are absent! Instead of the Moomins, a diverse group of characters arrives at their home, awaiting their hosts' return. Each struggles with their own longings and fears. Autumnal descriptions of foggy paths and soggy leaves perfectly capture the nostalgic mood of November. This book gently teaches children that sadness and melancholy are natural feelings, while also demonstrating the importance of closeness with others. Recommended for children aged 7 and up.
Truchlin – Vojtěch Matocha
Czech author Vojtěch Matocha has created a remarkable novel for young adults about a mysterious district of Prague where time stood still a hundred years ago. Truchlin is a place where the electricity goes out, telephones are silent, and the dark atmosphere is enhanced by beautiful black-and-white illustrations. The protagonist, Jirka, and his friend En, try to solve the mystery of the district as its darkness begins to envelop the entire city. The novel captivates with its post-apocalyptic vision and mesmerizing atmosphere, captivating both young and old readers.
POPR-ańcy – a series for the youngest
"POPR-ańcy," or the Dog Unit of Future Rescuers, is a series about puppies who live with Emilka and Michał, a TOPR rescuer. Puma, Tofik, Wafel, Mela, and Daktyl dream of becoming mountain rescuers. They are also accompanied by other animals, including a philosophical rat and a bear who speaks slang. The series skillfully combines fun with education, teaching children safe behavior in the mountains and national parks. It's perfect for young animal lovers and adventurers, and it entertains the whole family with numerous references to contemporary culture.
Autumn is a season that almost automatically beckons you to read. Long evenings, rain outside, and a cool breeze create the perfect conditions for immersing yourself in the fascinating worlds of literature. Whether you prefer chilling thrillers, touching novels, thoughtful fiction, or books for the whole family, you'll find something perfect for you.
Create your cozy reading nook with a comfortable ottoman that will keep you comfortable during long hours of reading. Thanks to its portability, you can easily move it to wherever is most convenient for you – closer to a window in natural light or to a quiet corner after dark. Don't forget a soft blanket and a cup of hot tea, which will make your autumn reading ritual even more enjoyable.
Each of our recommended titles will make autumn evenings fly by in the blink of an eye. Choose the best book that intrigues you and allow yourself a moment of escape from everyday life. Autumn is a time for reading like no other – make the most of this time by discovering new stories and revisiting those you already love.
Don't delay! Create your perfect reading nook and immerse yourself in literary adventures that will make this fall truly unforgettable.